At the beginning of Ramadan, many mothers find themselves standing in the kitchen, watching the clock, the pot on the stove, and the pile of dishes, thinking, “After iftar, I’ll rest a little.” But as soon as the call to prayer ends and the family gathers around the table, the mother is often left alone afterward to clean up.
Dr. Alia Al-Dakrouri, Professor of Home Economics and Management, shares a simple, practical 14-step plan to involve the entire family in household responsibilities during Ramadan, reducing chaos, ensuring fairness, and freeing time for worship and relaxation.
1. Ramadan is a Shared Responsibility
Ramadan shouldn’t be a month of exhausting the mother. Housework becomes an opportunity for everyone to contribute, turning tasks like washing dishes, setting the table, or preparing suhoor into acts of cooperation and spiritual reward.
2. Change Your Language, Change Behavior
Instead of saying “the husband helps the wife,” use “managing the home is a shared responsibility.” Small linguistic shifts influence behavior. Hold a weekly family meeting to discuss how to make Ramadan lighter, maintain energy for worship, and live the spirit of cooperation.
3. Advance Planning Reduces Stress
Create a weekly plan that distributes iftar and suhoor preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, garbage disposal, and shopping. Rotate responsibilities according to work and school schedules to ensure fairness and avoid overloading one person.
4. Model a Structured Day
Before Maghrib: Older family members set the table; those with time heat dishes. Children can water plants or arrange cushions.
After iftar: Everyone helps clear the table. One person starts washing, another dries dishes, and a third prepares suhoor if needed.
5. Smart Kitchen Strategies
Cook larger batches and freeze portions for later.
Simplify weekday meals; reserve complex dishes for special occasions.
Prep vegetables, soak legumes, or prepare juice ahead of time.
Divide dishwashing into two rounds to avoid overwhelming anyone.
6. Gradual Cleaning
Focus on one room per day rather than the whole house at once.
Small, concentrated cleaning sessions before or after iftar prevent exhaustion.
Address minor messes immediately before they accumulate.
Use small baskets in each room to keep Ramadan essentials handy.
7. Task Distribution by Time of Day
Heavy tasks: before noon or after Taraweeh prayers.
Light tasks: before Maghrib, leaving water-intensive chores for afterward.
Ensure fairness according to each person’s availability.
8. Involving Children and Teens
Young children: simple tasks like arranging cushions, collecting toys, watering plants.
Teens: full responsibility for certain kitchen or laundry tasks.
Use reward charts or stickers to motivate, linking tasks to cooperation and family values.
9. Valuing Seniors
Assign age-appropriate tasks: folding towels, monitoring timers, sorting items.
Respect their experience and allow them to share family recipes and tips.
10. Prioritize Health and Energy
Balanced meals and hydration maintain activity levels.
Limit the number of dishes, take short breaks, and include light walks after iftar.
11. Technology in Service of the Family
Use dishwashers and modern cooking devices efficiently.
Apps for shared task management can display schedules and reminders for the whole family.
12. Organized Hospitality
Pre-plan roles for family gatherings: preparation to cleanup.
Fixed menus reduce stress and allow some meals to be shared with neighbors as an act of charity.
13. Fairness and Appreciation
Hold a short weekly meeting to review successes and adjust plans.
Recognize everyone’s effort daily. A simple “thank you” makes a big psychological difference.
14. Managing Conflicts Wisely
Define each task clearly and set deadlines to avoid misunderstandings.
Address lapses calmly and focus on practical solutions.
Positive reinforcement turns commitment into an enjoyable experience.
15. Early Eid Preparation
Start mid-Ramadan with a gradual plan for deep cleaning, organizing clothes, and preparing sweets.
Children can help create greeting cards and decorate the house, feeling part of the festive spirit.
Summary: This 14-step Ramadan plan transforms household management into a shared, spiritual, and practical family activity. It reduces stress on the mother, teaches children responsibility, preserves energy for worship, and strengthens family bonds.
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